Do all surveys require IRB Approval?

Only those surveys that fit the definition of human subjects research (see definition above) require IRB approval. A survey that is not being done for research purposes (does not intend to contribute to generalizable knowledge) would be outside the purview of the IRB. For example, if the survey is being conducted solely for internal, quality improvement purposes, it would not be considered research and would not require IRB approval.

Or, if the survey will not gather any information about living individuals—e.g., their feelings, thoughts, opinions, behaviors, characteristics, actions, etc., the definition of human subjects would not apply, and IRB approval would not be required. An example may be a survey sent to various businesses asking about their supply purchases, level of inventory, and shipping policies.